How to apply

Guiding you through the process

We understand that applying for graduate study can be an anxious time, but we have put together some helpful information to guide you through the process.

Please read carefully the information in this section and follow the instructions given sensibly; this will help to ensure that everything runs quickly and smoothly.

You will be able to track the progress of your application online. Most delays and confusion are caused when applicants do not follow our instructions.

You must apply early, as competition for programmes at LSE is intense. Your application will not be considered until we have received all your supporting documents. Wherever possible you should submit all of your documents with your online application. You should expect to wait an average of 8 weeks for a decision when applying for a taught programme; decisions for a research programme may take longer than this.

Important: LSE expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.

You will need to create an account online using your email address and you should use the same address for your application and any enquiries to us. You do not need to complete the form at one sitting; you can return to your partially completed application by logging in to the system using the email address and password you create at the start of the process.

You should also upload your supporting documents with your application. You should scan and upload your transcripts and request references to be submitted online. The online application allows you to submit your complete application securely and quickly. Your application will not be processed until we have received all the required documents.

You may submit your application before your referees submit their reference letters; we will process your application once the letters are received.

You may apply for up to two programmes, which will be considered sequentially in the order on your application form. It is not possible to hold more than one offer of a place at LSE, so if you are made an offer for your first choice you will not be considered for your second choice unless you specifically request it.

If you are unsuccessful for both choices, then you may apply for additional choices by completing the online form and paying an additional fee of £100. You should not take this option before receiving our decision unless you wish to withdraw from your initial choices.

All applications must be accompanied by supporting documents. Some of these are required by all applicants, others are only needed for specific programmes. Details of specific requirements are given on the programme pages.

Use common sense when reading this information. We are being as clear as we can about our requirements and there are no trick questions or hidden traps.

We ask you to provide the documents as requested (or as close to them as you can manage) so that we can make a good decision on your application.

Don't overload your application with extra documents - the selectors won't have time to read them and we really don't need them.

Don't panic about the length of your personal statement or research proposal - Your personal statement should be typed and no longer than two sides of A4 paper. There is no fixed word limit, but we expect this to be no longer than 1,000 - 1,500 words. Some programmes have specific requirements which are different to this; please check the relevant programme page for information.

We offer guidance to help you. Read it and act sensibly on it.

Please do not send supporting documents directly to departments as this will delay your application.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that your application is complete, including all references, the transcript and the fee, and where applicable GRE/GMAT scores and your research proposal. Please be aware that all documents are non-returnable.

LSE has developed a number of programmes which are administered jointly with other institutions such as Peking University in China and University of Southern California in the USA. Any additional requirements for these programmes will be listed on their individual programme pages. Selectors from both institutions consider your application, and this means that it may take much longer for a decision to be made on these programmes than on the single centre programmes. We will advise you of the decision as soon as possible.

We take active steps to scrutinise and verify documents received during the application process. If we are unable to verify independently the accuracy of information supplied, your application may be cancelled and any offer withdrawn.